Tom Thibodeau elaborated on Monday his decision to bench Joakim Noah during the Chicago Bulls' overtime loss on Saturday to the Grizzlies.

"We were struggling. We were behind," Thibodeau said. "The group that got in there got us back in the game. It was more the way that unit was rolling. I just felt we were so flat that that group was either going to win the game or lose the game for us. They were the ones that overcame a big deficit. That’s usually the case.

"In the first half, I always go back with the starters. In the second half, if we’re struggling it’s going to be the group that is going well. That’s the way it is."

Thibodeau said he didn't feel the need to explain this rationale to Noah.

"He understands. He’s been around," Thibodeau said. "The team has to come first. That’s the most important thing. Sometimes that happens. It’s not a big deal."